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For $A^{\mu }=(0,0,Bx,0)$, the only independent nonzero component of the electromagnetic field tensor isThe temporal and $z$ components of the Lorentz force show that $u^0$ and $u^3$ are constant. Taking $u^3=0$, the transverse equations arewhere dots now denote proper time derivatives. Witha solution isDirect differentiation verifies both equations. Hence the trajectory is a relativistic cyclotron orbit with proper angular frequency $omega=qB/m$; the sign fixes its orientation.

Use Minkowski spacetime signature $(-,+,+,+)$ and write $dot{x}^{\mu }=d{x}^{\mu }/d\lambda$. The reparametrization-invariant relativistic charged-particle action isThe first term is $-m{c}^2\int d\tau$ because

An electromagnetic gauge transformation isIt leaves the electromagnetic field tensor unchanged because antisymmetrized second derivatives commute. The action changes only byThis endpoint term has zero variation for fixed endpoints, which is the gauge invariance of the charged-particle worldline action.

Withthe electromagnetic field tensor is the antisymmetric tensorUnder a Lorentz transformation $x^{\prime \mu }={\Lambda }^{\mu }{}_{\nu }{x}^{\nu }$, the four-potential transforms as a four-vector and thereforeThus $F$ is an antisymmetric rank-two tensor under Lorentz transformations.

Transforming the electromagnetic field tensor by $F^{\prime }=\Lambda F{\Lambda }^T$ and reading off its components givesThese are the parallel and transverse field transformation laws for a boost in the $x$ direction.

The electric components of the electromagnetic field tensor arewhile $F_{ij}$ depends only on the transverse vector. The scalar-vector cross term integrates to zero because ${\partial }_i{A}_i^V=0$, so the scalar action isVarying the nondynamical scalar gives the constraint equation in field theoryFor every nonzero Fourier momentum this fixes ${\Phi }_A=0$, confirming that a source-free massless vector has no propagating scalar polarization.

Let $x^{\mu }=(ct,\mathbf{x})$, let $\tau$ be proper time, and define the four-velocity and four-momentum byIf $F^{\mu \nu }$ is the electromagnetic field tensor, the covariant Lorentz force law isThe temporal component and three spatial components respectively giveHere $\mathcal{E}=\gamma m{c}^2$ is the relativistic energy and $\mathbf{p}=\gamma m\mathbf{v}$ is the relativistic momentum. In the nonrelativistic limit, $\gamma \to 1$, so the spatial equation becomesthe usual Lorentz-force law.

WriteSinceits derivatives areThe Euler-Lagrange equation therefore givesUsing the electromagnetic field tensorand dividing by $d\tau /d\lambda$ givesRaising the first index yields the equivalent requested formThis is the Lorentz-force equation from the worldline action.

A gauge transformation isBecause partial derivatives commute, the added contribution to $F_{\mu \nu }$ isso the electromagnetic field tensor is gauge invariant.

DefineSince ${\partial }_0=c^{-1}{\partial }_t$ and $A_0=-\Phi /c$,

The identityfollows directly from $F=dA$. Its spatial and mixed components areFor the other two equations define the four-currentThen ${\partial }_{\nu }{F}^{0\nu }={\mu }_0{j}^0$ givesand ${\partial }_{\nu }{F}^{i\nu }={\mu }_0{j}^i$ givesThis is the Covariant Maxwell equation with the minus-plus-plus-plus metric.

Usingone findsThis is the electromagnetic energy density.

For a null vector, the trace term in $T^{\mu \nu }{k}_{\mu }{k}_{\nu }$ vanishes. PutAntisymmetry gives $q\cdot k=0$. A vector orthogonal to a null vector has nonnegative Minkowski norm, soExplicitly, in a frame with $k^{\mu }=\kappa (1,1,0,0)$,Hence the null energy condition for the electromagnetic field is strict whenever the contraction is nonzero:

Use coordinates $(ct,x,y,z)$ and put $\beta =v/c$, $\gamma =(1-{\beta }^2{)}^{-1/2}$. For an observer moving at $+v\hat{\mathbf{x}}$, the coordinate Lorentz boost isThe given electromagnetic field tensor transforms as $F^{\prime }=\Lambda F{\Lambda }^{\mathsf{T}}$. For example,whileThe $01$ component is unchanged because its boost determinant is ${\gamma }^2(1-{\beta }^2)=1$. The $23$ component is unchanged because neither index lies in the boost plane. Reading off all six components givesThe signs follow the stated positive observer velocity and the supplied tensor convention. In vector form for a boost in any direction, ${\mathbf{E}}_{\parallel }^{\prime }={\mathbf{E}}_{\parallel }$, ${\mathbf{E}}_{\perp }^{\prime }=\gamma ({\mathbf{E}}_{\perp }+\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B})$, with analogous ${\mathbf{B}}_{\perp }^{\prime }=\gamma ({\mathbf{B}}_{\perp }-\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{E}/c^2)$.

Fix coordinates $x^{\mu }=(ct,x,y,z)$ and use the following convention for the contravariant electromagnetic field tensor:For $O^{\prime }$ moving with velocity $+v\hat{\mathbf{x}}$ relative to $O$, the Lorentz transformation hasThe rank-two tensor transformation rule isFor example,Similarly, $F^{\prime 03}=-\gamma (E_z+v{B}_y)/c$ and $F^{\prime 13}=\gamma (B_y+v{E}_z/c^2)$. The $01$ component is unchanged because ${\gamma }^2(1-{\beta }^2)=1$, and the $23$ component is unchanged since neither index lies in the boost plane. Reading off the six field components givesAn alternative overall sign convention for $F^{\mu \nu }$ gives the same physical Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields when its identifications with $\mathbf{E}$ and $\mathbf{B}$ are used consistently.

With Cartesian Minkowski spacetime coordinates $x^{\mu }=(ct,x,y,z)$, introduce the four-current $J^{\mu }=(c\rho ,\mathbf{J})$ and electromagnetic four-potential ${\mathcal{A}}^{\mu }=(\varphi /c,\mathbf{A})$. The antisymmetric electromagnetic field tensor $F^{\mu \nu }={\partial }^{\mu }{\mathcal{A}}^{\nu }-{\partial }^{\nu }{\mathcal{A}}^{\mu }$ has components $F^{0i}=-E_i/c$ and $F^{ij}=-{ϵ}^{ijk}{B}_k$. Maxwell equations becomeThe time and space components reproduce Gauss's law and the Ampère-Maxwell equation; the dual equation gives absence of magnetic monopoles and Faraday's law of induction. Antisymmetry gives charge conservation ${\partial }_{\nu }{J}^{\nu }=0$. The relativistic Lorentz force is $d{p}^{\mu }/d\tau =q{F}^{\mu \nu }{u}_{\nu }$. Every displayed equation transforms tensorially under a Lorentz transformation; the electric field and magnetic field are different components of the same object.

Two independent algebraic electromagnetic field invariants areThe second is a pseudoscalar: it is invariant under proper Lorentz transformations but changes sign under spatial reflection. For perpendicular fields, the sign of the first distinguishes a frame with purely magnetic field from one with purely electric field. Both invariants vanish for a plane electromagnetic wave with $\mathbf{E}\perp \mathbf{B}$ and $E=cB$, although the field itself is nonzero.

Use coordinates $x^{\mu }=(ct,\mathbf{x})$, signature $(+---)$, and the convention $F^{0i}=-E_i/c$, $F^{ij}=-{ϵ}_{ijk}{B}_k$. The antisymmetric electromagnetic field tensor combines six field components:It transforms as $F^{\prime \mu \nu }={\Lambda }^{\mu }{}_{\alpha }{\Lambda }^{\nu }{}_{\beta }{F}^{\alpha \beta }$. Lowering indices changes the time–space signs: $F_{0i}=E_i/c$, while $F_{ij}=F^{ij}$. The covariant tensor instead uses the inverse coordinate Jacobian on each lower index.

For a frame moving with velocity $\mathbf{v}$ relative to the original one,Electric and magnetic fields therefore mix under a boost; they are frame-dependent parts of one tensor. For example, a purely transverse electric field acquires a magnetic field in a boosted frame. The electromagnetic field invariants $B^2-E^2/c^2$ and $\mathbf{E}\cdot \mathbf{B}$ restrict which fields can be eliminated by a frame change. The covariant force law $d{p}^{\mu }/d\tau =q{F}^{\mu }{}_{\nu }{U}^{\nu }$ guarantees consistent particle dynamics in all inertial frames.

Use signature $(+---)$, coordinates $x^0=ct$ and four-velocity $u^{\mu }=d{x}^{\mu }/d\tau$ normalized by $u_{\mu }{u}^{\mu }=c^2$. The derivative is the metric-compatible Levi-Civita connection. Fix the curvature sign by $[{\nabla }_{\alpha },{\nabla }_{\beta }]V^{\mu }=R^{\mu }{}_{\nu \alpha \beta }{V}^{\nu }$. Then the required contractions areWith $G^{\mu \nu }=R^{\mu \nu }-g^{\mu \nu }R/2$, the contracted Bianchi identity gives ${\nabla }_{\mu }{G}^{\mu \nu }=0$. The Einstein field equations $G^{\mu \nu }+\Lambda g^{\mu \nu }=(8\pi G/c^4)T^{\mu \nu }$, with constant $\Lambda$, therefore require covariant conservation of stress-energy. This is a consistency relation between geometry and the total matter/field source. It does not mean ${\partial }_{\mu }{T}^{\mu \nu }=0$ in arbitrary coordinates, nor guarantee a global conserved energy in an arbitrary curved spacetime. The geometric identity alone, without the field equations or matter dynamics, is not an equation of motion for a freely specified material source.

For relativistic dust, $\rho$ is proper rest-mass density, measured in the fluid rest frame, and $u^{\mu }$ is its timelike four-velocity with the $c^2$ normalization above. In a local Cartesian inertial frame $u^{\mu }=\gamma (c,\mathbf{v})$, soAccordingly $T^{0i}/c$ is momentum density and $c{T}^{0i}$ is energy flux in direction $i$. The equality of momentum-density and energy-flux components after the appropriate factors of $c$ reflects the symmetry of the stress-energy tensor. In the comoving frame the spatial stress is zero, as required for pressureless matter.

Expand the dust conservation equation by the product rule:Contract with $u_{\nu }$. metric compatibility and constant normalization give $u_{\nu }{\nabla }_{\mu }{u}^{\nu }={\nabla }_{\mu }(u_{\nu }{u}^{\nu })/2=0$, leaving $c^2{\nabla }_{\mu }(\rho u^{\mu })=0$. Substitute this rest-mass continuity law back and divide by nonzero $\rho$:This proves geodesic motion of uncharged dust along each fluid flow line. pressure forces or another exchange of momentum would change the argument; at zero density there is no dust worldline to constrain.

The electromagnetic field tensor is antisymmetric and has six independent components. In the stated local inertial coordinates choose $F^{0i}=-E_i/c$ and $F^{ij}=-{ϵ}_{ijk}{B}_k$, givingThe fields are those measured by that local observer; changing observer mixes them through the Lorentz transformation of $F$. With ${ϵ}^{0123}=+1$ and ${\tilde{F}}^{\mu \nu }={ϵ}^{\mu \nu \alpha \beta }{F}_{\alpha \beta }/2$, two independent quadratic contractions areThe second is a pseudoscalar: it is invariant under proper Lorentz transformations and changes sign under an orientation reversal. Opposite choices for the orientation tensor change its written sign. A nonzero null electromagnetic field can have both contractions zero, so the two numbers do not determine whether the tensor itself vanishes.

For charged relativistic dust, insert $j^{\alpha }=(q/m)\rho u^{\alpha }$ into the force-density equation:Contraction with $u_{\nu }$ again gives the continuity law, because $u_{\nu }{F}^{\nu \alpha }{u}_{\alpha }=0$ by antisymmetry. After removing the continuity term,In a local inertial frame the spatial components reduce to $d(\gamma m\mathbf{v})/dt=q(\mathbf{E}+\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B})$ and the temporal component gives $d(\gamma m{c}^2)/dt=q\mathbf{E}\cdot \mathbf{v}$. This is the relativistic Lorentz force, with gravity represented by the connection. The force is orthogonal to $u$ and preserves the rest-mass normalization. Matter alone now exchanges energy and momentum with the electromagnetic field; adding the field tensor's stress-energy restores zero divergence of the combined source.

Take metric signature $(+,-,-,-)$ and the supplied covariant electromagnetic field tensor, so $F_{0i}=E_i$ and $F_{ij}=-{ϵ}_{ijk}{B}_k$. Raising both indices reverses the time-space components but leaves the spatial components unchanged. Its complete contraction is thereforeDefine the dual electromagnetic field tensor by ${\tilde{F}}^{\mu \nu }=\frac{1}{2}{\epsilon }^{\mu \nu \rho \sigma }{F}_{\rho \sigma }$, with ${\epsilon }^{0123}=+1$. Direct contraction givesThese electromagnetic field invariants are complete tensor contractions. The second is a pseudoscalar: it is invariant under proper Lorentz transformations and changes sign under spatial inversion.

For $T^{0i}$ the metric trace term vanishes. Since $F^0{}_j=E_j$,Consequently the Poynting vector is exactly the time-space row in the stated $c=1$ units:

The required invariant is obtained by tensor contraction, rather than by an ordinary sum of squares of the entries of the electromagnetic field tensor. With ${\eta }_{\mu \nu }=\mathrm{diag}(1,-1,-1,-1)$, raising both indices givesThe electromagnetic field tensor is an antisymmetric second-rank tensor, so every independent off-diagonal entry occurs twice in its contraction. The three electric contributions each acquire a minus sign, whereas the magnetic contributions retain their sign. ConsequentlyAll indices are contracted, so this quantity is a Lorentz scalar. Since the speed of light is invariant,is Lorentz invariant. Both terms have the units of squared electric field, ${\mathrm{V}}^2{\mathrm{m}}^{-2}$ in SI units.

Use signature $(+---)$ and local inertial coordinates $x^0=ct$. Write $u^{\mu }=\gamma (c,\mathbf{v})$ and $w=\rho c^2+p$, where $\rho$ is rest mass density. The perfect fluid in general relativity has componentsHere $T^{00}$ is energy density, $c{T}^{i0}$ is energy flux, $T^{0i}/c$ is momentum density, and $T^{ij}$ is the flux of the $j$th momentum component through a surface normal to $i$. In the local rest frame these reduce to energy density $\rho c^2$, zero energy and momentum flow, and isotropic pressure $p$. The equation ${\nabla }_{\mu }{T}^{\mu \nu }=0$ expresses local stress-energy conservation. Its temporal and spatial components give energy and momentum balance; in flat coordinates, for example, ${\partial }_t{T}^{00}+{\partial }_i(c{T}^{i0})=0$.

For relativistic dust, $T^{\mu \nu }=\rho u^{\mu }{u}^{\nu }$. Contracting its divergence with $u_{\nu }$, and using metric compatibility together with $u_{\nu }{u}^{\nu }=c^2$, givesConsequently ${\nabla }_{\mu }(\rho u^{\mu })=0$. Substituting this continuity equation back into the divergence leaves $\rho u^{\mu }{\nabla }_{\mu }{u}^{\nu }=0$. Wherever matter is present,so the individual particles follow geodesics.

The electromagnetic four-force law $f^{\mu }=q{F}^{\mu \nu }{u}_{\nu }$ must preserve the particle's rest mass. Thus $u_{\mu }{f}^{\mu }=0$, and requiring this for arbitrary timelike four-velocities makes the electromagnetic field tensor antisymmetric. Its six independent components comprise the electric field and magnetic field. With the stated signature and $x^0=ct$, one consistent convention isIt gives the spatial force $d\mathbf{p}/dt=q(\mathbf{E}+\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B})$ and energy transfer $dE/dt=q\mathbf{E}\cdot \mathbf{v}$. Under a Lorentz transformation, $F^{\mu \nu }$ transforms as a rank-two contravariant tensor; its electric and magnetic components consequently mix. A four-potential supplies $F_{\mu \nu }={\nabla }_{\mu }{A}_{\nu }-{\nabla }_{\nu }{A}_{\mu }$, unchanged by $A_{\mu }\mapsto A_{\mu }+{\nabla }_{\mu }\chi$. The Maxwell equations areThese combine the source equations and the homogeneous equations into covariant tensor statements; $j^{\mu }$ is the four-current.

For charged relativistic dust, the matter tensor exchanges four-momentum with the electromagnetic field: ${\nabla }_{\mu }{T}_{\mathrm{m}}^{\mu \nu }=F^{\nu \alpha }{j}_{\alpha }$, while their total stress-energy tensor is conserved. Identical particles of rest mass $m$ and electric charge $q$ have $j^{\alpha }=(q/m)\rho u^{\alpha }$. Contraction with $u_{\nu }$ again gives mass continuity because $u_{\nu }{F}^{\nu \alpha }{u}_{\alpha }=0$. Removing that term givesUsing zero divergence for the matter tensor alone in this last step would omit the electromagnetic Lorentz force.

For rest mass $m$ and electric charge $q$, the generally covariant Lorentz force law isHere $F_{ab}={\partial }_a{A}_b-{\partial }_b{A}_a$ is the electromagnetic field tensor for the chosen electromagnetic four-potential normalization, and the covariant derivative includes the spacetime Levi-Civita connection. Antisymmetry of $F_{ab}$ ensures $u_{a}D{u}^a/d\tau =0$, preserving the four-velocity norm and the particle's rest mass. An uncharged particle follows a geodesic.

For a boost along positive $x$, let $\gamma =(1-v_x^2/c^2{)}^{-1/2}$. Parallel field components are unchanged, while transverse components mix. The Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields givesThese signs correspond to $S^{\prime }$ moving with $+v_x$ relative to $S$, not the inverse boost. They can be obtained from $F^{\prime }=\Lambda F{\Lambda }^{\mathsf{T}}$ for the electromagnetic field tensor.

Use $c=1$ and the mostly-plus Minkowski metric fixed in part a. The electromagnetic four-potential and its covariant form areDefine the electromagnetic field tensor by $F_{\mu \nu }={\partial }_{\mu }{A}_{\nu }-{\partial }_{\nu }{A}_{\mu }$. Since $\mathbf{E}=-\nabla \varphi -{\partial }_t\mathbf{A}$ and $\mathbf{B}=\nabla \times \mathbf{A}$,Raising both indices changes the signs of its time-space entries. The lower-index signs agree with ^[ref]; the signature and index placement must be kept consistent.

For a passive boost to a frame moving with $v\hat{\mathbf{x}}$, transform the tensor asFor example, $F^{\prime 02}=\gamma F^{02}-\gamma v{F}^{12}=\gamma (E_y-v{B}_z)$ and $F^{\prime 12}=\gamma (B_z-v{E}_y)$. Reading off all entries givesFor an arbitrary boost velocity $\mathbf{v}$, rotational covariance gives the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fieldsHere all velocities are in $c=1$ units. Equivalently the parallel components are unchanged and the perpendicular components have the cross-product expressions multiplied by $\gamma$.